Jammu GMC launches comprehensive Cancer Policy for J&K
The Jammu Government Medical College has made a giant leap in cancer management with the launch of the Cancer Policy for Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. According to a statement issued by the hospital, the policy was prepared under the leadership of Oncologist Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu.
Soon after the policy release, GMC Jammu conducted a national CME programme wherein many of the prominent oncologists of India attended the meeting. A few of them are as follows:
Dr. Rakesh Jalali, Apollo Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Dipenjan Panda, Apollo Hospital, Delhi
Dr. Anusheel Munshi, Delhi
Dr. Vijay Patil, Mumbai
Dr. Vimal Pandita, Dehradun
The event saw participation from more than 500 delegates from within and outside the state, reflecting the widespread interest in cancer research and treatment advancements.
Address by Dignitaries on Cancer Management
During the event, former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah stated cancer treatment should look into all holistic approaches that aren't only medial, surgical, and radiation. It has all the social psychological and economic points that the condition poses. Moreover, he spoke of the important communication between physicians and patients toward empathy, making it possible for the latter to gain trust within their care systems.
Sakeena Ittoo, Health and Medical Education Minister, noted that the founder of the then State of Jammu and Kashmir, late Sheikh Abdullah, laid the foundation stone of GMC Jammu in the year 1982. The minister reiterated her government's focus on achieving the highest standards in medical education equivalent to the finest institutions in India. She complimented the efforts of the current GMC Jammu administration for taking care of the patients.
Medical Community's Involvement
The event witnessed the participation of teaching staff, postgraduate resident students, MBBS students, paramedical staff, allied staff, and administrative teams, who attended the inaugural session.
Major Highlights of the Cancer Policy
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta during the inaugural address greeted the dignitaries and laid out the outline of GMC Jammu by mentioning the broad objectives of the Cancer Policy.
The Cancer Policy focuses on:
Implementing effective cancer screening programs for preventable cancers like head and neck, breast, lung, cervical, prostate, and colon. Introducing the cervical cancer vaccine into the Universal Immunization Program. Establishing oncology facilities in all new medical colleges as per NMC guidelines, including chemotherapy services and surgical oncology.
Equipping the tertiary care institutes like SKIMS, GMC Jammu, and GMC Srinagar with latest oncology facilities like radiation oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, PET scan diagnostic centers, and molecular oncology labs.
Introducing palliative care services in all district hospitals
Banning or restricting tobacco products to be considered to prevent cancer
In the presence of prominent guests
The policy launch was graced by several dignitaries, including:
Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir
Sakeena Massod Itoo, Minister for Health, Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary of Health and Medical Education
Dr. Sameer Kaul, a renowned cancer specialist
Ashraf Ganie, MD, Director of SKIMS
Pavan Malhotra, DCH, Director Principal of ASCOMS
With this policy, GMC Jammu has taken a very crucial step towards improving cancer care, research, and awareness in Jammu and Kashmir, therefore, towards bettering the outcomes for cancer patients.